Questions About CORE Orthopedics

Do you need a referral to see an orthopedic surgeon?

Probably not, but it does depend on the type of insurance you have. 

For Preferred Provider Organization (PPO) or Medicare, you have the flexibility to visit any doctor you want within the network without a referral. This will save you time and money, possibly avoiding additional co-pays and deductibles. 

If you don’t have a PPO, you may have a Health Maintenance Organization (HMO). HMOs typically require a referral to see an orthopedic surgeon from their Primary Care Physician. 

Check with your insurance if you need to visit your primary care physician before scheduling an appointment with the orthopedic surgeon.

Where do you perform your surgeries?

We perform surgeries at four different facilities: Alexian Brothers Medical Center (Elk Grove Village, IL), St. Alexius Medical Center (Hoffman Estates, IL), Advocate Good Shepherd Hospital (Barrington, IL), and Geneva Surgical Suites (Genoa City, WI).

Any other treatment is conducted at any of our CORE offices. For more information, please read our patient checklist.

What other treatments do you perform at CORE?

At CORE Orthopedics, we do more than surgery. We offer physical therapy, MRIs, stem cell therapy, and treatment for almost any issue under the sun.

We treat hand, elbow, shoulder, spine, hip, and knee problems.

Will CORE accept my insurance plan?

We accept 30 different insurance plans. If we don’t cover yours, we’re here to discuss any arrangements you may need.

Please visit this page for more insurance information.

Can I pay my bill online?

Yes! Signing up with Athena Health allows you to access your health information and make payments online.

Hip Replacement Surgery

Is hip replacement surgery a major operation?

Hip replacement surgery is generally considered a major operation. 

Total hip replacement, the most common hip replacement surgery, involves replacing damaged hips and sockets with implants and plastic or metal. 

The other two types of hip replacement surgery, partial hip replacement and hip resurfacing, are also invasive and considered significant surgeries.

Dr. Kuesis specializes in a new hip replacement operation called Direct Anterior Approach. This approach is less invasive because it allows us to operate by pushing aside, instead of cutting through, the hip’s overlaying muscles. For more information about the “Anterior Method” click here.

How can I know if I need a hip replacement?

Suppose you’ve noticed significant pain in your hips, and pain medications have not helped to improve it. 

In that case, you may want to consider hip replacement surgery. 

Pain that prevents you from carrying out your daily activities, makes it difficult to sleep, or has persisted for a long time is the most common sign that you should seek aid from an orthopedic surgeon.

Can I go home on the same day as my surgery?

Some patients may be able to return home the same day as their hip replacement surgery.

To be considered for outpatient care, qualifying patients will be in good health and have a support system at home ready to help them on their journey to recovery. 

Each patient’s personal and unique circumstances will be reviewed before being allowed to return home following their operation.

What should I avoid doing following hip replacement surgery?

Avoid vigorous exercise and activity after your operation, increasing your risk of dislocating your hip replacement. 

Additionally, you should avoid driving or crossing your legs.

However, don’t think that this means you shouldn’t be moving! Walking around the house will help your body recover from the surgery in various ways, such as preventing blood clots.

What is the average recovery time?

Hip replacement surgery typically takes between 6 and 12 months to recover fully. Most people can return to their usual activities 10-12 weeks following the operation.  

No two patients will have the same recovery time. 

This period will vary between patients due to various factors such as preexisting health conditions, the severity of the operation, age, and more.

What are the most common problems after hip replacement surgery, and how can I avoid them?

The most common risks associated with hip replacement surgery include dislocations, fractures, and blood clots. 

These problems can be easily avoided with regular and appropriate movement following the surgery.

Other problems, such as infections, are not easy to prevent, but they are easy to solve. If you’re suffering from an illness at the site of your incision, consult your doctor for an antibiotic or other treatment.

Knee Replacement Surgery

Is knee replacement surgery a major operation?

Due to the invasive nature of being a replacement surgery, knee replacement surgery is considered a major operation. Both kinds of surgery, total knee replacement and partial knee replacement, require a surgeon to replace a knee joint with an implant.

How can I know if I need a knee replacement?

You may want to speak with an orthopedic surgeon if you’ve noticed reduced mobility or intense pain in your legs. When daily activities, such as walking or sleeping, aren’t achievable, even with painkillers, you likely will need to replace your knee.

Can I go home on the same day as my surgery?

Patients undergoing a partial knee replacement will have a shorter stint in the hospital than those having total knee replacement surgery and thus are more likely to return home the same day as the operation.

Some patients may go home following total knee replacement surgery if they are qualified. Qualified patients will be in good health and have a robust support system at home to help them recover following the surgery.

What should I avoid doing following knee replacement surgery?

Do not perform exercises or movements that have a high risk of falling. You should still move as you would usually, as blood clots can come with sitting for too long–however, you should use more caution than average to avoid any dislocation or other complications. When walking, make sure to use a walker and avoid stairs.

What is the average recovery time?

Knee replacement surgery typically takes 6-12 months to recover fully. Still, regular activity and exercise can be resumed after 12 weeks of physical therapy following the operation. Be sure to follow your surgeon’s orders before participating in physical activity so that your knee replacement is healed enough to sustain the stress.

What are the most common problems after knee replacement surgery, and how can I avoid them?

Besides blood clots and infections, some patients may suffer from persistent pain or knee stiffness following surgery. This can usually be remedied with physical therapy and regular (but safe) movement.

The best way to prevent any complication or issue from your knee replacement surgery is by entrusting your care to an expert surgeon and following their instructions. An experienced surgeon will identify the specific problems your knees may be prone to following the operation and can help guide you through the recovery process.